Methods:
We retrospectively analysed the case records of all patients submitted to submandibular gland degloving (as previously described1), by the same surgeon as first operator (FB) in a single academic center from September 2017 to December 2021. Data have been collected and reported following STROBE guidelines for observational studies. The observational retrospective nature of the study allowed the exemption from IRB approval.
Preoperative work-up included: collection of clinical history, physical examination, ultrasound and, in case of clearly identifiable lesions, ultrasound-guided FNAB (Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy) with Rapid On Site Evaluation (ROSE) as previously described2. We consider the submandibular degloving contraindicated, and we never performed it, in case of suspicion of solid malignancy.
We recorded demographic, clinical and surgical data in order to assess the safety of the technique.
Surgical time has been computed from infiltration of the skin to the last stitch.
Surgical drains were removed when the amount of collected fluid became less than 20 ml in 24 hours.
Post-operative follow up was performed through physical examination and concomitant neck ultrasonography, 6 months after the surgery and then every year (just for neoplastic lesions).